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Topic: What is involved in conversion? (Read 1455 times)

I have been a protestant most of my life, but have been reading about the Orthodox Church over the last year or so and am convinced she is truly the right-believing/right-worshipping church founded by Christ and the apostles, and I wish to convert.

I'm an over-the-road trucker and I am only home for a few days per month. I've visited my local cathedral a couple of times, once for Pascha and once to visit the bookstore, but haven't yet spoken with any clergy.

I am anxious to join the Orthodox Church. Can anyone describe to me how the process of conversion works?

The first step is to make contact with a clergyman of your choice. This may be a Bishop, Priest or Deacon. They will guide you as to the process which may differ slightly from juristiction to juristiction, but basically it begins with being accepted into the Catechumenate during which you receive instruction and guidance. Then, when it is determined that you are ready, you will be received into the Church either by Baptism or Chrisimation or both (depending on your circumstances and the decision of the Bishop), and be permitted to recieve Communion as a full member of the Church. The first step, however, is always to make contact with an Orthodox clergyman.I can see that it may be difficult when you are travelling so much, but be comforted by the fact that the Catechumens are prayed for at every liturgy in every Orthodox Church throughout the world! I'd still go for a parish close to home if I were you, but if there is a town or city where you spend more time than home and which has an Orthodox Church, that may be a better choice.You're in my prayers.George

« Last Edit: July 28, 2006, 09:38:50 PM by ozgeorge »

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If you're living a happy life as a Christian, you're doing something wrong.

Like GiC said, it tends to be more based on Spiritual maturity.Communion with the Church is the most intimate form of interaction any human being can undertake. In Communion, we are united not only to Christ, but also to one another in a bond which is stronger than even blood ties or marriage. For this reason, the Bishop is responsible to ensure that those who are admitted to Communion will not betray Christ or His Body, the Church, later (as Judas did). Thus, before Communing, we pray:"At Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a Communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mysteries to Thine enemies, neither will I give Thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the Theif I will confess Thee: 'Remember me o Lord in Thy Kingdom.'"

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If you're living a happy life as a Christian, you're doing something wrong.

"At Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a Communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mysteries to Thine enemies, neither will I give Thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the Theif I will confess Thee: 'Remember me o Lord in Thy Kingdom.'"

Over the road trucker? No problem. You've obviously have internet ability. I spent many years traveling the NE, SE and Mid-west 3 out of four weeks a month. You might be surprised at where you'll find Orthodox parishes in which to worship. I always pre-planned these before setting out.

even the quote mentioned varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, at least in mild grammatical ways. We are pretty recent converts as well, but I noticed that it takes varying amounts of time and it's up to the clergy working with you.If I were you I would pick a church that uses mainly English, so you don't have another tongue to trip over at the same time. Not that this Irishwoman minds Greek at all now-but with you being in and out of town it would just be another thing to contend with.